A few days later, Jake's simple birthday celebration was set to take place.
But before the actual day arrived, Tita Carol, together with her sister Tita Sandy and the admins of JakeFanatics, held a small meeting to plan the celebration. It wasn't meant to be a grand party, but rather an exclusive gathering—just for close friends, selected fans, and of course, family.
Inside a restaurant, Tita Carol, Tita Sandy, Admin Rose, and Lyca were seated, carefully arranging the plans.
Tita Carol (smiling, but her tone was serious):
"You all know Jake. He doesn't like things too extravagant. He only wants something simple but still special. That's why I think it's best if the guest list is limited—only those who truly support him."
Admin Rose (nodding in agreement):
"You're right, Tita. At least the setting will be more intimate. Jake will definitely feel the love and support from the fans who stayed with him."
Tita Sandy:
"That's good. For Jake's simple birthday, I'll take care of the catering."
Lyca (smiling as she held the list):
"Good thing I'm finally back again. I just arrived yesterday from Hong Kong—at last, I finished fixing all my end-of-contract documents. I realized I'd rather stay and work here, with all of you."
Tita Carol (her face lighting up):
"That's wonderful! No more back-and-forth, no more short vacations. At least now you can personally help us with Jake's events. That means a lot."
Admin Rose (smiling at Lyca):
"Perfect timing, Lyca. Just in time for Jake's birthday. You and Tita Sandy will handle the event and program flow, okay? Something chill, but with a spark of romance for the fans."
Lyca (giving a thumbs up):
"Got it! Some games, a message-sharing part, and of course… the highlight, Jake's special performance."
Tita Carol (breathing deeply but smiling):
"Thank you, all of you. Without you, I don't know how I'd manage. I just want this to be memorable for Jake."
And from that small meeting, the plan for a simple yet special celebration was formed.
But little did anyone know—that night would mark the beginning of tangled emotions, hearts that would ache, and jealousy that would test them all.
[Arrival of Hershey and Gavin]
When the plane landed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Hershey and Gavin went straight to a hotel. While resting, Gavin grabbed his phone and immediately called Jake.
📞 Phone ringing…
Jake (answering, surprised):
"Hello, Gav? I thought you weren't coming until next week?"
Gavin (calmly):
"Change of plans, bro. We're already here. We just checked in. And of course… Hershey will be there for your actual birthday."
Jake's chest tightened. He knew things wouldn't be simple. Hershey's return wasn't just about the past—it meant eyes would be on them during the celebration: friends, family, and especially, fans.
Jake (sighing):
"You don't know how complicated this is, Gav. The timing is terrible… especially on my birthday. People will react."
Gavin (serious now):
"Jake, I know it's sudden. But you also know what Hershey's going through. She's sick… and this is her only way of reaching you again. Just for a while, bro, give her that chance."
Jake froze. Gavin was right—he couldn't ignore Hershey's illness. But in the back of his mind, one name echoed endlessly. Aya.
Gavin didn't know about her, but Jake felt a silent fear—if Aya saw Hershey by his side, he might lose every bit of hope.
Jake (softly, almost a whisper):
"Gav… what if everything falls apart because of this?"
Gavin (oblivious):
"Relax, bro. Nothing will fall apart if you handle it right. It's your birthday. It's your day. You can do this."
Jake couldn't answer anymore. He ended the call, but suddenly the room felt heavier. He pressed his temples, trying to fight the weight of his own fear.
Jake (whispering to himself):
"If only you knew, Gav… this isn't just an ordinary day for me. I don't want to lose her… not before I tell her the truth."
[The Day Before]
The night before Jake's birthday, Admin Rose made the announcement to the fandom.
Admin Rose:
"Hello JakeFanatics! 💙 Good news: you're invited to Jake's exclusive birthday celebration tomorrow! 🎉📍 Location: His Tita's house in Parañaque (inside subdivision). 🕗 Time: 7PM onwards. Catering is provided, so no worries. It'll be simple but memorable!"
The group chat instantly buzzed with reactions.
Janine:
"OH MY GOSH 😍 I'll be the first one there! I feel like I'm the most special guest hahaha 💖"
Mike:
"Special guest? More like special attention-seeker 😂"
Alex:
"Exactly. Don't act like the celebrant, Janine. 🤣"
Janine:
"Whatever! I'll look my best, and I'm sure Jake will notice me. 🥰"
Maureen:
"This is gonna be so fun! Finally, we'll see Jake up close again!"
Anna:
"Yesss! And this time, we're all in it together!"
Krystel:
"Support squad activated for Aya ✨ Are you ready girl?"
Mica:
"Same here. We got your back, Aya. Team support! 💯"
Aya (sending just a shy emoji 😊 and a heart 💙):
"I'm excited too, but nervous hahaha."
Janine:
"Excited? Hmmm… maybe you're expecting something from Jake too, Aya? 😏"
Jayvee:
"Janine, stop. Not everything is about you and Jake. 🙄"
Mike:
"Boom! 🧨"
Alex:
"Truth bomb dropped! 😂"
Narration – Jayvee's POV
As the teasing continued in the GC, Jayvee couldn't help but smile. Even if no one said it directly, he could feel how much their group supported Aya. And deep inside, he wanted to claim something…
"If only they knew… Aya is special to me. No matter how much they tease her with Jake, maybe soon… she'll be mine."
With that quiet confidence, Jayvee became even more excited for Jake's birthday. It felt like the perfect chance to prove—not only to Aya but to everyone—that he wasn't just another fan.
[The Celebration Begins]
The big day finally came. JakeFanatics arrived early at Tita Sandy's spacious house in Parañaque. The catering set-up was neat, the atmosphere filled with joy.
As soon as some of them entered, one person made her presence loud and clear—Janine.
Janine (almost shouting as she came in):
"OMG! Where's Jake?! I need to see him now! I should be the first one he greets, duh—it's his birthday, I deserve to be the special guest!"
Jayvee, Mike, and Alex rolled their eyes, used to her antics.
Jayvee (snarky):
"Special guest? Janine, you're acting like the celebrant. Don't steal Jake's spotlight."
Mike (laughing):
"She might even blow the cake herself, bro. 'Happy birthday to me!'"
Alex (teasing):
"Yeah, but do you even have a gift? Or are you just here to talk big?"
Janine grimaced but still strutted dramatically. Meanwhile, Aya quietly sat at the side, observing. She didn't want to be part of the noise. Luckily, Lyca was beside her.
Lyca (smiling at Aya):
"Finally, my contract is over. I wasted so much money flying back and forth from Hong Kong. Now I'd rather just stay here—with my family, and with you guys."
Maureen (excited):
"That's great, Ate! At least now you'll always be with us."
Mica:
"True! Don't leave again, Ate. It doesn't feel complete without you."
Lyca:
"No more leaving. I already fixed my documents before my contract ended."
Krystel (winking):
"Perfect timing. We're happier now that you're here for special moments like this. We'll see each other more often."
Aya stayed quiet but smiled faintly. Lyca noticed it—Aya's eyes showed her happiness even if her lips barely said a word.
Lyca (teasing Aya, smiling):
"Hey, you're quiet… but I know you're happy. Ready to see Jake again?"
Aya (softly, genuine):
"I'm just glad you're here with us again, Ate."
Lyca (grinning at Aya's face):
"Hahaha don't fool me! I know you're nervous. Jake's about to come out any second."
Jayvee glanced at Aya, as if reminding her that he was right there for her no matter what happened.
The chatter grew louder when suddenly—
(Slow motion feel)
From the terrace, a familiar figure appeared. Wearing a simple polo that fit him perfectly, dark jeans, and sneakers. Effortless. Handsome. Jake.
The room erupted.
Fans (shouting all together):
"Kyaaaaaa! Jake is soooo handsome!"
"He looks like a star!"
"OH MY GOSH, JAKEEEE!!!"
The screaming was deafening. But there was one person who didn't react—Aya.
She kept eating, pretending she wasn't affected.
Mica (tugging Aya's arm):
"Aya! Look, it's Jake! He's even more handsome tonight, swear!"
Aya (frowning):
"Wait, let me eat first. I'm starving."
But after Mica's constant nudging, Aya finally looked up. And there it was—their eyes met.
(Slow motion again)
Jake's gaze fell directly on Aya. Just that one glance was enough to make Aya bite her lip and look away, pretending to focus on her food. But her heart was already racing.
Meanwhile, Janine jumped into the spotlight.
Janine (running towards Jake, shouting):
"Jake!!! Happy Birthday!!! Finally, I've been waiting for you! Oh my gosh!"
The others turned to look. Jake remained calm, smiling, but his steps carried him in a different direction—toward Aya's table.
(Slow motion)
As Jake approached, Aya kept her head low, pretending to be busy. But when Jake stood closer, her chest tightened.
Jake (softly, almost a whisper):
"Aya…"
Girls at the table (squealing):
"Ayieeeee! Ayaaa!"
But before Jake could continue—
??? (a familiar voice):
"Hi Jake! Happy birthday, sweetheart! Looks like I'm late for my boyfriend's party."
Everyone froze.
A tall woman in a dress entered, confidence radiating. Hershey. Behind her, Gavin carried a bouquet of imported roses.
Gasps filled the air. Fans whispered. Tita Carol and Tita Sandy were stunned. Janine's jaw dropped.
Janine (clutching her chest, trembling):
"B-boyfriend? Jake… is this true?"
But the one who hurt the most was Aya.
Her chest tightened, tears threatened, and the pain she thought she left behind came crashing back.
Aya (softly, almost to herself):
"Not again… I'm the one hurting again."
Before anyone could see her tears, Aya stood and ran out of the house.
Mica, Maureen, Lyca (together):
"Aya! Wait! Ayaaa!"
But she didn't look back. She just kept running—fleeing from the pain.
Jake (shocked, chasing her):
"Aya! Wait! Please, listen to me!"
Hershey called after him, but Jake didn't care. He ran straight outside.
At the gate, Aya stood with her back turned, wiping her tears.
Aya (voice trembling):
"Jake… stop. I don't want this anymore. I don't want to get hurt again. Maybe… it's better if I just leave the fandom… and your life too."
Her words pierced Jake's heart like a knife.
Jake (shouting with emotion):
"Aya, please! Don't say that. You don't know… you're the only—"
But Aya kept running.
Jake was left standing in the street, clutching his chest, tears threatening to fall.
And then… a car stopped in front of Aya.
Jayvee got out, hurried to her side, and helped her in. Without hesitation, Aya rode with him.
From afar, Jake froze. It felt like all his hope crumbled.
Whispers began to spread—
"Aya… is she with Jayvee now?"
Jake's world slowed down. He saw everything—the way Jayvee guided Aya, the way she entered his car without a second thought.
Jake's POV:
"Is this how it will always be? I'm always too late. Always hesitant. And he… he's always ahead."
He clenched his fists, swallowing the heavy ache in his chest.
"Aya… it should've been me. I should be the one by your side. But why… why can't I say the truth?"
As the car drove away, Jake felt like it was taking another piece of his heart with it. On the night of his own birthday… he was left in the darkness of his doubts.
Author's Note:
"Intense, right?! So much happened at Jake's birthday—from happiness and sweet moments, to Hershey's shocking entrance! And then Jake himself witnessed Aya leaving with Jayvee. What does this mean for him? And how will the fandom react in the coming days? Stay tuned for the next chapter!"
To be continued…
Chapter 15: False Alarm